Headband assembly with supplemental hair and skin-tightening features

ABSTRACT

A headband assembly includes a headband configured to grip a user&#39;s head, at least one hairpiece secured to the headband, and at least one skin tensioner secured to the headband. A headband includes a frame portion configured to grip a user&#39;s head. The headband also includes a first plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a first plurality of hairpieces, each of the first plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in a forward direction for orienting the first plurality of hairpieces in a rearward direction. The headband further includes a second plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a second plurality of hairpieces, each of the second plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in the rearward direction for orienting the second plurality of hairpieces in the forward direction.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 63/359,566, entitled “Headband Assembly with Supplemental Hair and Skin-Tightening Features,” filed Jul. 8, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Hair loss or hair thinning affects a large portion of the population. For example, women over the age of 50 can experience hair loss/thinning at a relatively rapid rate. Collagen loss also affects a large portion of the population, particularly in women over the age of 50. Though hair loss can impact women at different points of life and for different reasons (childbirth, stress, allergens, illness), hair loss, as well as collagen depletion, are most commonly associated with advanced age. Those experiencing hair loss often seek supplements and cosmetic enhancements such as hair plugs, hair extensions and wigs. Those experiencing collagen loss may seek to reduce the sagging effect that such collagen loss has on their skin, particularly in the facial region, by tightening their skin (e.g., in areas of the face, forehead, eye area, cheeks, chin, neck, etc.) through a variety of cosmetic interventions.

Botox and filler treatments (e.g., injections) may be used in some instances to address collagen loss by tightening facial skin and/or neck skin. These interventions can be painful and time consuming, but the largest impediment for an average consumer is cost. Such treatments may require relatively lengthy recovery periods of multiple days or even multiple weeks to allow the treatment to settle. Moreover, such treatments typically must be repeated at relatively short intervals, usually as often as every three to six months. Various surgical procedures may also be used to address collagen loss, but are also costly and/or time consuming, and require more lengthy recovery periods than injections or similar outpatient procedures. Secondary to any of these barriers is the mere fact that many individuals would simply rather avoid invasive interventions and would prefer to invest in manageable daily regimens that provide cosmetic results without long term costly procedures In any case, each of these treatments or procedures only addresses collagen loss without also addressing hair loss/thinning.

Adhesive pads may be adhered to a person's facial skin and pulled toward the back of the user's head via rubber threads to tighten the skin of the person's face. However, the rubber threads must be tied at the back of the person's head, which can be difficult, inefficient, time consuming, and/or frustrating. Moreover, such adhesive pads and/or rubber threads may be difficult to conceal using makeup or the person's hair (e.g., if the person is also experiencing hair loss/thinning).

While various types of products and treatments have been made and used in an effort to address hair loss/thinning and/or collagen loss, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary headband assembly being worn by a user;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary headband assembly;

FIG. 3 depicts a front elevation view of the headband assembly of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of another exemplary headband assembly being worn by a user;

FIG. 5 depicts a magnified view of area 5 of the headband assembly as indicated in FIG. 4 ; and

FIG. 6 depicts a rear elevation view of the headband assembly of FIG. 4 being worn by a user.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

To the extent that spatial terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for exemplary description purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. Furthermore, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and the like as used herein in connection with any numerical values or ranges of values are intended to encompass the exact value(s) referenced as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

I. First Example of a Headband Assembly

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary headband assembly (10) includes a headband (12), a plurality of hairpieces (14) (one shown), and a plurality of skin tensioners (16). As described in greater detail below, headband assembly (10) may be worn by a user to supplement the user's natural hair and/or to tighten the user's facial skin and/or neck skin, and may have a modular configuration such that hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) may be selectively (i.e., removably) coupled to headband (12) in a variety of customizable arrangements.

In this regard, each hairpiece (14) of the present example includes a base (20) and a plurality of supplemental hair strands (22) secured to the respective base (20). It will be appreciated that hair strands (22) may be real or synthetic. In some versions, hair strands (22) may be textured and/or colored to visually blend with the user's natural hair. In other versions, hair strands (22) may be textured and/or colored to provide a visual contrast (e.g., highlights) relative to the user's natural hair. Hair strands (22) of each hairpiece (14) may be arranged to collectively define a bundle of hair strands (22) for masking an area of the user's head with thinned natural hair. In some versions, hair strands (22) of one or more hairpieces (14) may be arranged to collectively define a preformed hairstyle, such as a braid, a ponytail, a chignon, bangs, etc. Base (20) of each hairpiece (14) may be configured to facilitate attachment of the respective hairpiece (14) to a corresponding portion of headband (12), as described in greater detail below. While a single hairpiece (14) is shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of hairpieces (14) may be used.

In the example shown, each skin tensioner (16) includes an adhesive pad (30) and a tether in the form of an elastic (e.g., rubber) thread (32) secured to and extending rearwardly from the respective pad (30). Each adhesive pad (30) includes an adhesive/sticky inward surface configured to adhere to the user's facial skin and/or neck skin and an outward surface, which may be colored to visually blend with the user's facial skin and/or neck skin. In some versions, a plurality of fine, wispy supplemental hair strands (not shown) may be secured to the outward surface of one or more adhesive pads (30), such as in cases where such adhesive pads (30) are to be adhered to the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at or near the user's hairline, to visually blend with the user's natural hair. For example, such hair strands may be textured and/or colored similarly to hair strands (22). In the example shown, elastic thread (32) of each skin tensioner (16) has an enlarged feature such as a knot or bead (34) at or near its rearward end configured to facilitate attachment of the respective skin tensioner (16) to a corresponding portion of headband (12), as described in greater detail below. In some versions, each elastic thread (32) may include a plurality of such knots or beads (34) spaced apart from each other along the length of the elastic thread (32).

In some embodiments where skin tensioner (16) is applied to the back of the neck, the skin tensioner (16) may include openings or some other attachment feature to engage a corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70) of headband (12) on either end of headband (12) without utilizing an elastic thread. In some embodiments, one or more skin tensioners (16) may be fixedly attached to headband (12). In other embodiments, one or more skin tensioners (16) may be releasably attached to headband (12) such that these skin tensioners (16) can be moved around and attached to different locations of headband (12). In still other embodiments, at least one skin tensioner (16) may be fixedly attached to headband (12), while at least one other skin tensioner (16) may be releasably attached to headband (12). While three skin tensioners (16) are shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of skin tensioners (16) may be used and adhesive pads (30) of such skin tensioners (16) may be positioned at any suitable location on the user.

Headband (12) of the present example includes a generally horseshoe-shaped upper frame portion (40) configured to conform to or otherwise grip the crown of the user's head, and a pair of generally arcuate lower frame portions (42) (one shown) extending downwardly from upper frame portion (40) and configured to conform to or otherwise grip the sides of the user's head. In the example shown, lower frame portions (42) are sized and shaped to accommodate the user's ears. In some cases, lower frame portions (42) may be configured to engage the user's ears so that the user's ears may assist with stabilizing headband (12) on the user's head.

In the example shown, headband (12) also includes a plurality of comb teeth (50) extending rearwardly from upper frame portion (40) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (52). Comb teeth (50) are configured to engage the crown of the user's head for further stabilizing headband (12) on the user's head, while slots (52) are configured to receive strands of the user's natural hair that are pointing toward the front of the user's head. Comb teeth (50) may each have a sufficient length to minimize point pressure on the user's scalp so that headband (12) may be worn for a large duration of time without causing discomfort to the user. For example, comb teeth (50) may each have a length of about 1 inch. As shown, comb teeth (50) may each be substantially flat and may have smooth edges. In some versions, one or more slots (52) between comb teeth (50) may be configured to securely receive at least a portion of a corresponding hairpiece (14) in a manner similar to that described below. In addition, or alternatively, headband (12) may include a backstrap coupled to lower frame portions (42) and configured to engage the back of the user's neck for further stabilizing headband (12) on the user's head.

Headband (12) of the present example further includes a plurality of hairpiece anchors (60) arranged along upper frame portion (40) and defining fixation points for securing respective hairpieces (14) to headband (12). Each hairpiece anchor (60) includes a pair of teeth (62) extending forwardly from upper frame portion (40) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (64) configured to securely receive at least a portion of a corresponding hairpiece (14), such as the base (20) of the corresponding hairpiece (14). In the example shown, teeth (62) extend forwardly from upper frame portion (40) such that teeth (62) are configured to orient the corresponding hairpieces (14) in a rearward direction toward the back of the user's head. In addition, or alternatively, teeth (62) may extend rearwardly from upper frame portion (40) such that teeth (62) are configured to orient the corresponding hairpieces (14) in a forward direction toward the front of the user's head. For example, in some cases a first set of teeth (62) may extend forwardly from upper frame portion (40) to orient the corresponding hairpieces (14) in a rearward direction toward the back of the user's head, and a second set of teeth (62) may extend rearwardly from upper frame portion (40) to orient the corresponding hairpieces (14) in a forward direction toward the front of the user's head. Such an arrangement of teeth (62) may assist with visually blending hairpieces (14) with the user's natural hair. In addition, or alternatively, first and second sets of teeth (62) may be arranged at first and second levels (e.g., an upper level and a lower level) along upper frame portion (40) to enable hairpieces (14) to be arranged at such first and second levels, which may also assist with visually blending hairpieces (14) with the user's natural hair. In some cases, teeth (62) may be configured to engage the crown of the user's head for further stabilizing headband (12) on the user's head. In some embodiments one or more teeth (62) may be configured to attach a single hairpiece (14) to headband (12). In other embodiments, one or more teeth (62) may be configured to attach two or more hairpieces (14) to headband (12). In still other embodiments, one or more teeth (62) may be configured to attach a single hairpiece (14) to headband (12), while one or more other teeth (62) may be configured to attach two or more hairpieces (14).

Each hairpiece (14) may be selectively secured to a corresponding hairpiece anchor (60) of headband (12) and/or selectively removed from the corresponding hairpiece anchor (60) of headband (12), to enable customization of the arrangement of hairpieces (14). For example, the base (20) of each hairpiece (14) may be configured to provide a snap-fit engagement with the slot (64) of the corresponding hairpiece anchor (60).

In the example shown, headband (12) further includes a plurality of skin tensioner anchors (70) arranged along upper and lower frame portions (40, 42) and defining fixation points for securing respective skin tensioners (16) to headband (12). Each skin tensioner anchor (70) includes a pair of teeth (72) extending outwardly from the respective frame portion (40, 42) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (74) configured to securely receive at least a portion of a corresponding skin tensioner (16), such as a rearward end of the elastic thread (32) of the corresponding skin tensioner (16). In the example shown, one or more slots (74) narrow in a forward direction (e.g., via the orientations of the corresponding teeth (72)) such that one or more slots (74) are generally V-shaped. Such a configuration may facilitate insertion of the knot (34) of the elastic thread (32) of the respective skin tensioner (16) into the wide, open end of the corresponding slot (74), and may inhibit inadvertent withdrawal of the knot (34) from the narrow, closed end of the corresponding slot (74) while permitting such withdrawal upon application of a threshold force.

Each skin tensioner (16) may be selectively secured to a corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70) of headband (12) and/or selectively removed from the corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70) of headband (12), to enable customization of the arrangement of skin tensioners (16). For example, the knot (34) of the elastic thread (32) of each skin tensioner (16) may be configured to lodge against the teeth (72) of the corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70).

In some cases, any of the slots (64, 74) between teeth (62, 72) may be sized and configured to securely receive either the base (20) of a corresponding hairpiece (14) or the rearward end of the elastic thread (32) of a corresponding skin tensioner (16), to enable further customization of the arrangement of hairpieces (14) and skin tensioners (16). In the example shown, upper and lower frame portions (40, 42) and anchors (60, 70) are integrally formed together as a unitary (e.g., monolithic) piece to define headband (12). In this regard, headband (12) may be manufactured via 3D printing, injection molding, investment casting, machining, and/or any other suitable manufacturing techniques. In other versions, any one or more of upper and lower frame portions (40, 42) and anchors (60, 70) are individually formed separately from each other as discrete parts and coupled to each other to define headband (12). Headband (12) may be constructed of any suitable material, such as a polymeric material or a metallic material. Other suitable materials that may be used to form headband (12) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

While anchors (60, 70) including teeth (62, 72) and slots (64, 74) are shown, it will be appreciated that anchors (60, 70) may have any suitable configuration for selectively or fixedly securing one or more hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) to one or more frame portions (40, 42) of headband (12). For example, anchors (60, 70) may be configured as hooks, eyelets, apertures, receptacles, undulations, recesses, clips, clamps, clasps, male connectors, female connectors, hook-and-loop connectors, etc. In some cases, anchors (60, 70) may be selectively attachable to upper and/or lower frame portions (40, 42), to enable further customization of the arrangement of hairpieces (14) and skin tensioners (16).

In order to use the exemplary headband assembly (10), the user may don headband (12) on the user's head. In some cases, one or more hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) may be selectively or fixedly secured to headband (12) prior to the user donning headband (12). In other cases, the user may selectively secure one or more hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) to headband (12) at the desired locations along upper and/or lower frame portions (40, 42) using the corresponding anchors (60, 70) after donning headband (12). For example, the user may adhere the adhesive pads (30) of one or more skin tensioners (16) to desired locations along the user's skin (e.g., in areas of the face, forehead, eye area, cheeks, chin, neck, etc.) and then pull the corresponding elastic threads (32) back toward headband (12) and secure the rearward ends of the elastic threads (32) to the corresponding anchors (70). Such pulling of elastic threads (32) may effectively lift and/or tighten the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at the desired locations, and such securement of elastic threads (32) to the corresponding anchors (70) may maintain the requisite tension within elastic threads (32) to preserve the lifting and/or tightening of the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at the desired locations for the duration of the user's wearing of headband (12). It will be appreciated that the particular pulling direction for each elastic thread (32) may be adjusted based on the selected anchor (70). For example, the lowermost anchors (70) may be used for tightening the skin of the user's neck, while the uppermost anchors (70) may be used for tightening the skin of the user's forehead.

In some cases, the user may then secure the bases (20) of one or more hairpieces (14) to corresponding anchors (60). For example, the user may secure the bases (20) of such hairpieces (14) to corresponding anchors (60) such that the respective hair strands (22) effectively visually conceal the adhesive pads (30) and/or elastic threads (32) of the skin tensioners (16) that have been adhered to the user's skin, and/or effectively visually conceal headband (12) itself. In addition, or alternatively, such hair strands (22) may visually enhance the appearance of the user's natural hair by supplementing the user's natural hair. In some versions, one or more hairpieces (14) may be attached to headband (12) at a location underneath headband (12) and routed through the corresponding anchor (60) over headband (12), such that the respective hair strands (22) generally wrap about headband (12) to assist with visually blending with the user's natural hair. In addition, or alternatively, the user may orient at least some of the hair strands (22) of one or more hairpieces (14) in a forward direction toward the front of the user's head to assist with visually blending with the user's natural hair. The user may style (e.g., curl, braid, etc.) hair strands (22) separately from or together with the user's natural hair.

It will be appreciated that the selective securement of such hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) to headband (12) may be readily performed by the user while wearing headband (12) using the user's hands without necessarily visually observing the bases (20) of the hairpieces (14) and/or the rearward ends of the elastic threads (32) of the skin tensioners (16). For example, the user may tactilely feel an anchor (60, 70) with the user's fingertips and snap the base (20) of the corresponding hairpiece (14) and/or the rearward end of the elastic thread (32) of the corresponding skin tensioner (16) into place within the corresponding anchor (60, 70). This may enable the user to determine the locations at which hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) are desired and which anchors (60, 70) to use while wearing headband (12) and to secure hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) to headband (12) precisely at the desired locations without having to predetermine which anchors (60, 70) to use prior to donning headband (12).

In cases where each elastic thread (32) includes a plurality of knots or beads (34) spaced apart from each other along the length of the elastic thread (32), such a plurality of knots or beads (34) may enable the user to fine-tune the tension within each elastic thread (32) after adhering the respective adhesive pad (30) to the user's skin, without requiring the user to peel away pad (30) from the user's skin. More particularly, such a plurality of knots or beads (34) may allow the user to adjust the tension by simply selecting another one of the knots or beads (34) for securing to the corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70). For example, the user may uncouple one of the knots or beads (34) from the corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70), either relax or stretch the elastic thread (32), and then couple a different one of the knots or beads (34) to the corresponding skin tensioner anchor (70) once the desired tension has been achieved.

In some versions, skin tensioners (16) may be disposable, such that skin tensioners (16) may be disposed of after a predetermined duration of usage (e.g., a single day) and replaced with new skin tensioners (16) for the next usage.

While hairpieces (14) and skin tensioners (16) have been described as being selectively secured to headband (12), it will be appreciated that any one or more hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) may be permanently secured to headband (12). In some embodiments, one or more hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) may be selectively secured to headband (12), while one or more other hairpieces (14) and/or skin tensioners (16) may be permanently secured to headband (12).

The embodiment of headband (12) illustrated in FIG. 1 includes both hairpieces (14) and corresponding hairpiece anchors (60) together with skin tensioners (16) and corresponding skin tensioner anchors (70). Other embodiments may only include hairpieces (14) and corresponding hairpiece anchors (60) while omitting skin tensioners (16) and skin tensioner anchors (70), and still other embodiments may only include skin tensioners (16) and corresponding skin tensioner anchors (70) while omitting hairpieces (14) and hairpiece anchors (60).

II. Second Example of a Headband Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3 , another exemplary headband assembly (110) is similar to headband assembly (10) described above except as otherwise described below. In this regard, headband assembly (110) includes a headband (112), a plurality of hairpieces (not shown), such as hairpieces (14), and a plurality of skin tensioners (not shown), such as skin tensioners (16).

Headband (112) of the present example includes a generally horseshoe-shaped upper frame portion (140), a pair of generally arcuate lower frame portions (142), a plurality of comb teeth (150) extending rearwardly from upper frame portion (140) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (152), a plurality of hairpiece anchors (160) each including a pair of teeth (162) extending forwardly from upper frame portion (140) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (164), and a plurality of skin tensioner anchors (170) each including a pair of teeth (172) extending outwardly from the respective frame portion (140, 142) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (174).

In the example shown, headband (112) also includes a plurality of protrusions (180) arranged along an inward surface of upper frame portion (140) and extending rearwardly therefrom. Protrusions (180) may be configured to engage the crown of the user's head for further stabilizing headband (112) on the user's head. In some versions, protrusions (180) may be spaced apart from upper frame portion (140) by corresponding slots configured to receive strands of the user's natural hair that are pointing toward the front of the user's head. In addition, or alternatively, protrusions (180) may serve as anchors by defining fixation points for securing respective hairpieces and/or skin tensioners to headband (112).

III. Third Example of a Headband Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 , another exemplary headband assembly (210) is similar to headband assembly (110) described above except as otherwise described below. In this regard, headband assembly (210) includes a headband (212), a hairpiece (214), and a plurality of skin tensioners (216).

Each hairpiece (214) of the present example includes a pair of bases (220) and a plurality of supplemental hair strands (222) secured to the respective bases (220) via a corresponding strip (224) that extends between the respective bases (220). It will be appreciated that hair strands (222) may be real or synthetic. In some versions, hair strands (222) may be textured and/or colored to visually blend with the user's natural hair. In other versions, hair strands (222) may be textured and/or colored to provide a visual contrast (e.g., highlights) relative to the user's natural hair. Hair strands (222) of each hairpiece (214) may be arranged to collectively define a bundle of hair strands (222) for masking an area of the user's head with thinned natural hair. In some versions, hair strands (222) of one or more hairpieces (214) may be arranged to collectively define a preformed hairstyle, such as a braid, a ponytail, a chignon, bangs, etc. Bases (220) of each hairpiece (214) may be configured to facilitate attachment of the respective hairpiece (214) to a corresponding portion of headband (212), as described in greater detail below. While a single hairpiece (214) is shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of hairpieces (214) may be used. Moreover, while a double-base hairpiece (214) is shown, it will be appreciated that headband assembly (210) may additionally or alternatively include one or more single-base hairpieces, such as hairpiece (14).

In the example shown, each skin tensioner (216) includes a multi-layer adhesive pad (230) and a tether in the form of an elastic (e.g., rubber) thread (232) secured to and extending rearwardly from the respective pad (230). Each adhesive pad (230) includes an adhesive/sticky inward surface configured to adhere to the user's facial skin and/or neck skin and an outward surface, which may be colored to visually blend with the user's facial skin and/or neck skin. In some versions, a plurality of fine, wispy supplemental hair strands (not shown) may be secured to the outward surface of one or more adhesive pads (230), such as in cases where such adhesive pads (230) are to be adhered to the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at or near the user's hairline, to visually blend with the user's natural hair. For example, such hair strands may be textured and/or colored similarly to hair strands (222). In the example shown, elastic thread (232) of each skin tensioner (216) is secured to a respective base (234) at or near its rearward end, with each base (234) being configured to facilitate attachment of the respective skin tensioner (216) to a corresponding portion of headband (212), as described in greater detail below. In some versions, each elastic thread (232) may be removably coupled to the respective base (234) and/or to the respective adhesive pad (230).

In some embodiments where skin tensioner (216) is applied to the back of the neck, the skin tensioner may include openings or some other attachment feature to engage a corresponding anchor (260) of headband (212) on either end of headband (212) without utilizing an elastic thread. In some embodiments, one or more skin tensioners (216) may be fixedly attached to headband (212). In other embodiments, one or more skin tensioners (216) may be releasably attached to headband (212) such that these skin tensioners (216) can be moved around and attached to different locations of headband (212). In still other embodiments, at least one skin tensioner (216) may be fixedly attached to headband (212), while at least one other skin tensioner (216) may be releasably attached to headband (212). While three skin tensioners (216) are shown, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of skin tensioners (216) may be used and adhesive pads (230) of such skin tensioners (216) may be positioned at any suitable location on the user.

Each adhesive pad (230) of the present example comprises an inner (e.g., bottom) layer (236) and an outer (e.g., top) layer (238) that are removably coupled to each other. For example, each inner layer (236) may be removably coupled to the respective outer layer (238) via hook-and-loop connectors. To that end, each inner layer (236) may include the aforementioned adhesive/sticky inward surface and an outward surface having a plurality of hooks extending therefrom, while each outer layer (238) may include the aforementioned outward surface and an inward surface having a plurality of loops extending therefrom for engaging the hooks of the inner layer (236). Each elastic thread (232) is secured to and extends rearwardly from the outer layer (238) of the respective pad (230), such that each elastic thread (232) is removably coupled to the inner layer (236) of the respective adhesive pad (230) via the corresponding outer layer (238).

Headband (212) of the present example includes a generally horseshoe-shaped upper frame portion (240), a pair of generally arcuate lower frame portions (242), a plurality of comb teeth (250) extending rearwardly from upper frame portion (240) and spaced apart from each other by a corresponding slot (252), and a plurality of hairpiece/skin tensioner anchors (260) each defined by a generally T-shaped slot (264) extending either forwardly from a rearward edge of upper frame portion (240), rearwardly from a forward edge of upper frame portion (240), or forwardly from a rearward edge of a respective lower frame portion (242). In the example shown, slots (264) are arranged in an alternating manner along upper frame portion (240) between extending forwardly from the rearward edge of upper frame portion (240) and extending rearwardly from the forward edge of upper frame portion (240).

In the example shown, headband (212) also includes a plurality of bores (290) arranged along frame portions (240, 242) and extending between inward and outward surfaces thereof. Bores (290) may be configured to receive strands of the user's natural hair and/or hair strands (22, 222) of hairpieces (14, 214) so that such strands of the user's natural hair and/or hair strands (22, 222) of hairpieces (14, 214) may be woven through headband (212) to assist with visually blending hairpieces (14, 214) with the user's natural hair.

Each hairpiece (214) may be selectively secured to a corresponding pair of anchors (260) of headband (212) and/or selectively removed from the corresponding pair of anchors (260) of headband (212), to enable customization of the arrangement of hairpieces (214). For example, the bases (220) of each hairpiece (214) may be configured to provide a snap-fit engagement with the slots (264) of the corresponding anchors (260). Similarly, each skin tensioner (216) may be selectively secured to a corresponding anchor (260) of headband (212) and/or selectively removed from the corresponding anchor (260) of headband (212), to enable customization of the arrangement of skin tensioners (16). For example, the base (234) of each skin tensioner (216) may be configured to provide a snap-fit engagement with the slot (264) of the corresponding anchor (260). Thus, any of the slots (264) may be sized and configured to securely receive either the base (220) of a corresponding hairpiece (214) or the base (234) of a corresponding skin tensioner (216).

While anchors (260) defined by slots (264) are shown, it will be appreciated that anchors (260) may have any suitable configuration for selectively or fixedly securing one or more hairpieces (14, 214) and/or skin tensioners (216) to one or more frame portions (240, 242) of headband (212). For example, anchors (260) may be configured as hooks, eyelets, apertures, receptacles, undulations, recesses, clips, clamps, clasps, male connectors, female connectors, hook-and-loop connectors, etc. In some cases, anchors (260) may be selectively attachable to upper and/or lower frame portions (240, 242), to enable further customization of the arrangement of hairpieces (214) and skin tensioners (216).

In order to use the exemplary headband assembly (210), the user may don headband (212) on the user's head. In some cases, one or more hairpieces (214) and/or skin tensioners (216) may be selectively or fixedly secured to headband (212) prior to the user donning headband (212). In other cases, the user may selectively secure one or more hairpieces (214) and/or skin tensioners (216) to headband (212) at the desired locations along upper and/or lower frame portions (240, 242) using the corresponding anchors (260) after donning headband (212). For example, the user may adhere the adhesive pads (230) of one or more skin tensioners (216) to desired locations along the user's skin (e.g., in areas of the face, forehead, eye area, cheeks, chin, neck, etc.) and then pull the corresponding elastic threads (232) back toward headband (212) and secure the bases (234) of the skin tensions (216) to the corresponding anchors (260). Such pulling of elastic threads (232) may effectively lift and/or tighten the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at the desired locations, and such securement of elastic threads (232) to the corresponding anchors (260) may maintain the requisite tension within elastic threads (232) to preserve the lifting and/or tightening of the user's facial skin and/or neck skin at the desired locations for the duration of the user's wearing of headband (212).

In some cases, the user may then secure the bases (220) of one or more hairpieces (214) to corresponding pairs of anchors (260). The anchors (260) of each corresponding pair of anchors (260) may be substantially level with each other, such that the strip (224) of the corresponding hairpiece (214) may be oriented generally horizontally, with the respective hair strands (222) draping generally vertically downwardly from the strip (224). For example, the user may secure the bases (220) of such hairpieces (214) to corresponding pairs of anchors (260) such that the respective hair strands (222) visually enhance the appearance of the user's natural hair by supplementing the user's natural hair. In some versions, the strands of the user's natural hair and/or hair strands (22, 222) of hairpieces (14, 214) may be routed through one or more bores (290) to assist with visually blending the hair strands (22, 222) of one or more hairpieces (14, 214) with the user's natural hair. In addition, or alternatively, such hair strands (222) may effectively visually conceal the adhesive pads (230) and/or elastic threads (232) of the skin tensioners (216) that have been adhered to the user's skin, and/or effectively visually conceal headband (212) itself.

It will be appreciated that the selective securement of such hairpieces (214) and/or skin tensioners (216) to headband (212) may be readily performed by the user while wearing headband (212) using the user's hands without necessarily visually observing the bases (220) of the hairpieces (214) and/or the bases (234) of the skin tensioners (216). For example, the user may tactilely feel an anchor (260) with the user's fingertips and snap the base (220) of the corresponding hairpiece (214) and/or the base (234) of the corresponding skin tensioner (216) into place within the corresponding anchor (260). This may enable the user to determine the locations at which hairpieces (214) and/or skin tensioners (216) are desired and which anchors (260) to use while wearing headband (212) and to secure hairpieces (214) and/or skin tensioners (216) to headband (212) precisely at the desired locations without having to predetermine which anchors (260) to use prior to donning headband (212).

The removable coupling of the inner layer (236) to the outer layer (238) of each adhesive pad (230) may enable the user to fine-tune the tension within each elastic thread (232) after adhering the respective adhesive pad (230) to the user's skin and/or after securing the respective base (234) to the corresponding anchor (260), without requiring the user to peel away the adhesive portion of pad (230) (e.g., inner layer (236)) from the user's skin and/or without requiring the user to reposition the respective base (234) at a different anchor (260). More particularly, such removable coupling of the inner layer (236) to the outer layer (238) may allow the user to adjust the tension by simply repositioning the outer layer (238) of the respective adhesive pad (230) (and thus the position of the elastic thread (232)) relative to the inner layer (236) of the respective adhesive pad (230). For example, the user may detach the outer layer (238) from the inner layer (236), move the outer layer (238) either closer to or farther from the corresponding anchor (260) to either relax or stretch the elastic thread (232), and then reattach the outer layer (238) to the inner layer (236) once the desired tension has been achieved.

In addition, or alternatively, the removable coupling of the inner layer (236) to the outer layer (238) of each adhesive pad (230) may enable the inner layer (236) of each adhesive pad (230) to be disposable while the outer layer (238) of each adhesive pad (230) may be reusable along with the respective elastic thread (232) and base (234), or vice versa. In cases where each elastic thread (232) is removably coupled to the respective base (234) and/or to the respective adhesive pad (230), each elastic thread (232) may be disposable while the respective base (234) and/or adhesive pad (230) may be reusable.

The embodiment of headband (212) illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 includes both hairpieces (214) and skin tensioners (216). Other embodiments may only include hairpieces (214) while omitting skin tensioners (216), and still other embodiments may only include skin tensioners (216) while omitting hairpieces (214).

IV. Examples of Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A headband assembly, comprising: (a) a headband configured to grip a user's head; (b) at least one hairpiece secured to the headband; and (c) at least one skin tensioner secured to the headband.

Example 2

The headband assembly of Example 1, wherein the at least one hairpiece is removably secured to the headband.

Example 3

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 2, wherein the at least one skin tensioner is removably secured to the headband.

Example 4

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 3, wherein the headband includes at least one anchor, wherein at least one of the at least one hairpiece or the at least one skin tensioner is secured to the at least one anchor.

Example 5

The headband assembly of Example 4, wherein the at least one anchor includes a slot.

Example 6

The headband assembly of Example 5, wherein the slot is defined between a pair of teeth.

Example 7

The headband assembly of Example 6, wherein the pair of teeth extend in a forward direction.

Example 8

The headband assembly of Example 6, wherein the pair of teeth extend in a rearward direction.

Example 9

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 8, further comprising at least one bore extending through the headband, wherein the at least one bore is configured to receive supplemental hair strands of the at least one hairpiece.

Example 10

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the headband includes an upper frame portion configured to grip a crown of the user's head, and a pair of lower frame portions extending downwardly from the upper frame portion and configured to grip respective sides of the user's head.

Example 11

The headband assembly of Example 10, wherein the at least one hairpiece is secured to the upper frame portion.

Example 12

The headband assembly of any of Examples 10 through 11, wherein the at least one skin tensioner is secured to at least one of the upper or lower frame portions.

Example 13

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 12, wherein the at least one hairpiece includes a base and a plurality of supplemental hair strands secured to the base.

Example 14

The headband assembly of any of Examples 1 through 13, wherein the at least one skin tensioner includes an adhesive pad and a tether secured to and extending rearwardly from the adhesive pad.

Example 15

The headband assembly of Example 14, wherein the adhesive pad includes an inner layer configured to adhere to skin of the user's head, and an outer layer secured to the tether, wherein the outer layer is removably coupled to the inner layer.

Example 16

A headband, comprising: (a) a frame portion configured to grip a user's head; (b) a first plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a first plurality of hairpieces, each of the first plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in a forward direction for orienting the first plurality of hairpieces in a rearward direction; and (c) a second plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a second plurality of hairpieces, each of the second plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in the rearward direction for orienting the second plurality of hairpieces in the forward direction.

Example 17

A headband assembly, comprising: (a) the headband of Example 16; (b) the first plurality of hairpieces, wherein the first plurality of hairpieces are retained by the first plurality of hairpiece anchors and oriented in the rearward direction; and (c) the second plurality of hairpieces, wherein the second plurality of hairpieces are retained by the second plurality of hairpiece anchors and oriented in the forward direction.

Example 18

A headband, comprising: (a) a frame portion configured to grip a user's head; and (b) a plurality of skin tensioner anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a plurality of skin tensioners.

Example 19

A headband assembly, comprising: (a) the headband of Example 18; and (b) the plurality of skin tensioners, wherein the plurality of skin tensioners are retained by the plurality of skin tensioner anchors.

Example 20

The headband assembly of Example 19, wherein each of the plurality of skin tensioners includes an adhesive pad and a tether secured to and extending rearwardly from the adhesive pad.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

I/We claim:
 1. A headband assembly, comprising: (a) a headband configured to grip a user's head; (b) at least one hairpiece secured to the headband; and (c) at least one skin tensioner secured to the headband.
 2. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one hairpiece is removably secured to the headband.
 3. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one skin tensioner is removably secured to the headband.
 4. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the headband includes at least one anchor, wherein at least one of the at least one hairpiece or the at least one skin tensioner is secured to the at least one anchor.
 5. The headband assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one anchor includes a slot.
 6. The headband assembly of claim 5, wherein the slot is defined between a pair of teeth.
 7. The headband assembly of claim 6, wherein the pair of teeth extend in a forward direction.
 8. The headband assembly of claim 6, wherein the pair of teeth extend in a rearward direction.
 9. The headband assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one bore extending through the headband, wherein the at least one bore is configured to receive supplemental hair strands of the at least one hairpiece.
 10. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the headband includes an upper frame portion configured to grip a crown of the user's head, and a pair of lower frame portions extending downwardly from the upper frame portion and configured to grip respective sides of the user's head.
 11. The headband assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one hairpiece is secured to the upper frame portion.
 12. The headband assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one skin tensioner is secured to at least one of the upper or lower frame portions.
 13. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one hairpiece includes a base and a plurality of supplemental hair strands secured to the base.
 14. The headband assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one skin tensioner includes an adhesive pad and a tether secured to and extending rearwardly from the adhesive pad.
 15. The headband assembly of claim 14, wherein the adhesive pad includes an inner layer configured to adhere to skin of the user's head, and an outer layer secured to the tether, wherein the outer layer is removably coupled to the inner layer.
 16. A headband, comprising: (a) a frame portion configured to grip a user's head; (b) a first plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a first plurality of hairpieces, each of the first plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in a forward direction for orienting the first plurality of hairpieces in a rearward direction; and (c) a second plurality of hairpiece anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a second plurality of hairpieces, each of the second plurality of hairpiece anchors extending in the rearward direction for orienting the second plurality of hairpieces in the forward direction.
 17. A headband assembly, comprising: (a) the headband of claim 16; (b) the first plurality of hairpieces, wherein the first plurality of hairpieces are retained by the first plurality of hairpiece anchors and oriented in the rearward direction; and (c) the second plurality of hairpieces, wherein the second plurality of hairpieces are retained by the second plurality of hairpiece anchors and oriented in the forward direction.
 18. A headband, comprising: (a) a frame portion configured to grip a user's head; and (b) a plurality of skin tensioner anchors secured to the frame portion and configured to retain a plurality of skin tensioners.
 19. A headband assembly, comprising: (a) the headband of claim 18; and (b) the plurality of skin tensioners, wherein the plurality of skin tensioners are retained by the plurality of skin tensioner anchors.
 20. The headband assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of skin tensioners includes an adhesive pad and a tether secured to and extending rearwardly from the adhesive pad. 